Sunday, January 19, 2014

NOW THAT'S A SPLASH PAGE: He Can Hang With The Devil Now

Splash pages, you gotta love 'em. A blank canvas where the artist can hit you with a large dose of illustrated 'wow'. This week, living proof that if John Romita Jr can illustrate any character as well as he can Daredevil, it's The Punisher.

I still remember grabbing Punisher War Zone #1 off the shelf. I collect anything JRJr touches, but had been burnt before forking out for one of the million 90's Punisher books, only to find the art was the only creative worth forking out for.

This massive vertical double page-spread, just a few turns in, was all I needed to walk the issue to the counter.

What John nailed with Frank's unshaven grimace and oversized chest emblem, Chuck Dixon matched in a minimum of words. No wonder the issue gave the Thomas Jane Punisher film one of it's key 'iceblock' scenes! Now if only Frank could be animated in this style too.

Glad you think so too Dale! Marvel has chucked Frank into so many animated series, the best being the recent Iron Man Feature DVD, that you have to hope those footsteps are leading somewhere. Still he has a new ongoing next month, here's hoping that gets supported first.

I remember this Punisher series that came out in the late 80s that Klause Jansen penciled for the first 5 or 6 issues. I've never been a huge fan of his style was a bit too "sketchy" looking for my taste but it was still a good read.

Thanks Dave - Punisher sure has had quite a few greats handle is book in his early days. Mike Zeck, Whilce Portacio and Jim Lee to name just three. Some books fell a bit on the story front but I think that's what taught me to pay attention to the writer in the days of Image.

King - I'm glad someone else saw that anime and has the same feelings! I checked it out mainly to see Black Widow and Punisher animated, and you are right - he is far and away the show stealer there! As for JRJr, my answer is 'hell no' - this splash would make for an awesome glow in the dark t-shirt!

Hope you like Wednesday's interview with another iconic comics artist, it isn't a Romita, but their styles actually have quite a bit of similarity about them.

All non-original images used on this site remain the property of their respective copyright holders, and are used promotionally with appreciation. If your images have appeared and you would like the way they are presented amended or even removed - simply leave me a comment and it shall be done.